Animal Care Qualifications explained

The National Register of Kennels and Catteries expects all its members to provide excellent service to their clients and all have signed up to the very demanding Code of Best Practice which you can access through clicking on the appropriate link on our Home Page.

However, there legal requirements in Britain for kennel owners or kennel staff to be qualified although the 'Conditions' attached to the statutory licence required to board dogs and/or cats usually state that those involved in the business should have 'relevant' qualifications. Anyone can build (with planning permission) or buy a boarding kennel or cattery with no formal qualifications but they would generally have experience or employ staff who had experience.

There are dozens of 'relevant' qualifications related to the care of animals in confined environments. They can be obtained at colleges of agriculture and further education although many people take distance learning courses - most of which require some evidence of practical experience. Kennels and catteries are generally proud of the qualifications of their staff so their certificates are often displayed in reception areas. The following list is not exhaustive but includes the major providers of animal care qualifications.

There are many 'courses' which are not fully accredited.  For certificates to be woth anything the accrediting orgnaisation should be recognised and approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Authority (QCdA) such as LASER Learning Awards, the Open College Network or City & Guilds. Check on the National Database of Accredited Organisation if you are not sure by clicking on this link National Database of Accrediting Organisations.

Caring for Animals: Most awarding bodies including City & Guilds, Laser, NCFC, BTec

Kennel Management: City & Guilds (Operational Principles of Kennels & Catteries), Laser (Animal Care College Diploma of Kennel Managameent)

NB: 'Animal Management' is a term covering all animals including wild animals and should not be confused with 'Kennel Management' or 'Animal Care' which usually refer to pet animals.